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The United Republic of Tanzania
NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA AUTHORITY
The United Republic of Tanzania
NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA AUTHORITY
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Amboni Caves
Overview
These fascinating Caves are Tanzania's most extensive limestone caves, located 8 kilometers north of Tanga region in Kiomoni village along Mombasa-Tanga highway. The caves are believed to have been formed around 150 million years ago during the Jurassic period and cover nearly 234 square kilometers.
The caves area is distinguished by rock-walled gorges, limestone pavements cut by deep fissures and dongas, fields of eroded limestone pillars, and extensive systems of caves and rock shelters opening to the surface within the gorges. There are a total of ten caves altogether and have a number of chambers that are quite dark inside; however, only one is open for guided tours and can be easily accessed in this method.
The Amboni caves, which are home to a large number of bats, were traditionally thought to be home to various spirits and are still used for worship and rituals by the locals. History has it that the caves were originally thought to extend 200 km or more.
Several mythical and awe-inspiring stories surround the caves. The locals believe that the caves possess supernatural formations where supernatural powers known as “Mizimu” are said to have resided since the cave’s formation. There are also sacred chambers for worshiping certain spirits. One of them is called “Mzimu wa Mabuvu.” According to the locals, the powerful spirit can bless them with wealth and lessen their sickness and sufferings.
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F.A.Q's
Ngorongoro is managed by a different government authority namely Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA). To get their details including fees kindly visit their website www.ngorongorocrater.go.tz
The Ngorongoro Crater is home to much more than wildlife safaris, with important cultural and archaeology here too.
Away from the wildlife, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area has other areas of significance. Oldupai Gorge is one of Africa’s most important archaeological excavations where some of the world’s most humanoid remains were discovered.
When travelling to foreign destinations it is always respectful to dress modestly and we suggest the emphasis is on comfortable clothing.
It is often warm on the plains and at lower altitudes but cold in the hilly and mountainous areas; a rain jacket, fleece and good quality walking shoes/boots are essential.
The Ngorongoro Crater is rich in wildlife, with many species calling this vast area home.
The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera with a diameter of 16km and a crater wall over 600m high. It is a true Garden of Eden, an extraordinary natural sanctuary for some of Africa’s densest large mammal populations and predators. Over 400 spotted hyenas exist in the crater (especially on the eastern shore of Lake Magadi), along with lion’s, leopard (spotted on occasions in the swampy areas), and black-backed and golden jackals.
The lion population has varied during the years partly due to migration into and out of the crater but mainly because of the vulnerability of the compact population. Cheetah, although common in the Conservation Area, are scarce in the Crater possibly due to the high rate of competition from other predators.
Elephant (especially around the Gorigor Swamp area) and buffalo are regularly seen. There also exist residential populations and large concentrations of wildebeest (over 10,000 in number), Burchell’s zebra (approximately 5,000), and buffalo, Thomson’s and grant’s gazelle in the open grasslands of the crater floor. The Ngorongoro Crater is perhaps the best place in Africa to see the endangered black rhinoceros.
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